Will the Dodgers be MLB Champions Next Year?
So, it wasn’t to be. There was no repeat World Series for the Dodgers. But there has not been a back-to-back champion since the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000 – so that is not a huge disappointment.
A lot of money was spent two years ago as the Dodgers went all in on winning the flag. That was achieved in 2020 when Mookie Betts hit a double, a home run and scored twice to win the World Series for Los Angeles after 32 years of disappointment.
This season ended in the NLCS as eventual champs Atlanta won in six. Now the team must look ahead to the next and attempt to win back the crown. The sportsbooks already have the Dodgers as favorites to do just that. But how are things looking as we go into the offseason?
What happened this year?
The immense amount of talent on the roster essentially hid any weaknesses until they were cruelly exposed in the postseason. The less said about losing Trevor Bauer to suspension the better, but injuries did play a big part in the way the season ended.
Losing Max Muncy on the final day of the regular season was a blow. But then there were a string of departures during the series with the Braves that didn’t help with the aim of making the World Series. For the first time in nine years the Dodgers failed to win the National League West – but they still won 106 games in the regular season. They just couldn’t do quite enough to limp over the line at the end.
What do the Bookmakers Think?
Unsurprisingly, the Dodgers are the favorites with the sportsbooks to come back and win next season. A price of around +500 is available, with the Astros, Braves and Yankees making up a familiar looking list of top teams.
The good news is that the experts think that we can go all the way once again next year. The bad news is that before opening day last year the Dodgers were only +350 to repeat. Atlanta and Houston were both offered at much longer odds and they made it to the World Series this year.
Why the Dodgers Might Not Win Next Year
OK, let’s get the pessimistic side out of the way first. As we mentioned earlier, the organization spent big on becoming the dominant team in baseball. It worked last year but maybe we are now witnessing the turning of the tide for the Dodgers.
The offseason could be crucial, with Max Scherzer, Corey Seager, Kenley Jensen and Clayton Kershaw all becoming free agents. Success could come down to at least three of those players being retained. If more than two go there could be trouble. Deficiencies were masked by overachieving last season – and there is no guarantee that that will happen again.
Why the Dodgers Can Win in 2022
Before we get all down about the team’s chances, let’s look at the positives. Retaining those players eligible for free agency would be a start. The organization still has plenty of money, thanks in part to how fans watch games these days. Streaming means that there is more choice – and more people choose to watch LA.
Even though there has been a leveling up in baseball, the Dodgers still sit at the top table when it comes to players on the field and the brains behind them. Another 100+ win regular season should be achievable – and that could mean a divisional title and a kinder NLDS. From there, who knows?
Final Thoughts
After nine years of successive postseasons – including three World Series appearances and a championship in 2020 – it would be a huge surprise if the Dodgers didn’t at least make it into the top five in the National League in 2022. The Braves and the Brewers would seem to be the teams standing in the way of a NLCS triumph.
From there it depends on whether the Yankees can improve again – or the Astros can break the recent National League stranglehold. One thing is for sure, the Dodgers will have something to say about who wins the flag.
Sing Freddie and Castillo or Strohman and we will.
My answer? NO. Why? Impart because of Drrrrrr
I must have missed the note that got passed in study hall about why Dave Roberts is referred to as Drrrr. Curious minds want to know, so please enlighten me.
My answer – YES Why because doc and the team will all be back CT3, Kersh and Kenley, less 2 Coreys, Max S. Dodgers have the resources to get whoever it is they need to fill the rotation. Gnats on the other hand will be down next year with Buster riding off into the sunset.
No…Seager a huge loss so is Scherzer..will make the post season
What was key in 20 was our depth. Guys got rest and we didn’t miss a beat. Same applies in 22 for the win.
No one have a clue or it’s a big secret.
Looks like someone started using it for no reason given. Later on one of the regs copied… and so on… and so on.
Dodgers will not win it all in 2022 as long as Roberts has opportunity to mis-handle pitching staff.
Correct and of course injuries of significance might be in play too.
I thought for years that Colorado had to be the worst place to be a pitcher. That has changed.
My disillusionment with Roberts started when he pulled Alex Wood out in the late innings while pitching a no hitter. Wood couldn’t believe it and had a few words under his breath for Roberts as he left the mound, to which Roberts looked back with an expression that read, “I’ll be the manager”. And then he was allowed to leave for stardom in San Francisco.
Max Scherzer made a difference this past season but left at first opportunity, fed up with Robert’s micro managing of pitchers that lead to his dead arm at the moment he was most needed.
This is so annoying. It wasn’t more than three years ago that Roberts said he expected his pitchers to go seven innings. Now it seems he won’t let most of his starters go more than five. Bullpen games were so disappointing, regardless of the outcomes.
It’s a testament to Roberts going the easy way by trusting the computer as a way of sidestepping his own lack of talent.
I’ll save my comments as to how he mismanaged his field personnel by bringing his injured players back too early, only to have found them to re-injure themselves.
Bottom line, this team doesn’t need heavy handed field management. Let them play and the wins will come. Over manage them and results will speak for themselves.
Roberts should not bathe in the glory of all those wins in 2021. He should instead come clean with himself as to how he was responsible for so many of the losses.
Not without another good starter and a good closer. It’s that simple.